Phrases

paddle one's own canoe

As a single parent in the 80s, working full time and paying for childcare, paddling my own canoe, could I possibly ask Gina Waite to sent me a form so I could apply for ‘back pamper pay’?

We received very little guidance from the head office of the DM, which had no form of constitution for branches, and we have very largely paddled our own canoe.

If there is any such thing as justice the county councillors will row in behind us on this one, but if not then we are going to have to go and paddle our own canoe all the way to the Boundary Commission.

Derivatives

paddler

A Paddlers Guide presents a rating system for each route that includes possible hazards, navigational challenges, potential wind and tidal influences, overall mileage and paddling time, and a running description of both physical and cultural landmarks along the way.

Running into a sweeper will push a canoe over or could push and hold the paddler below the surface of the water.

Origin

Late Middle English (denoting a small spadelike implement): of unknown origin. Current senses date from the 17th century.